Bring on 2017!

Written By
Kim Fryling-Resare

2017 is only days away, and I know there are a lot of people looking forward to saying goodbye to 2016. We can use the flipping of the calendar to a new year as an excuse to focus on hope for change and the possibility for a fresh start. 

Here are a few things that I’m personally going to try to focus on in 2017:

1. Practice more self-compassion and self-forgiveness. As with a fair amount of people, I’m sure, I tend to be my own worst critic. I beat myself up too much and don’t give myself enough credit. I need to focus more on the successes, no matter how small, and accept and acknowledge my mistakes or downfalls without letting them overwhelm me. I have to reassure myself that I’m doing the best that I can, and if I’m not, then I need to hold myself accountable while also cutting myself a break if I can’t get it all done.      

2. Stress less. I tend to let stressors build up to the boiling point. A friend of mine keeps urging me to try meditation for its positive effects on the mind. I’ve downloaded an app on my phone and I’m going to try to set aside time in my day to meditate. I’m hoping it will realign me, put things in perspective, and focus me on what’s most important. It may also help with my goal of practicing more self-compassion. 

3. Be more present. I have these moments when I realize that I’m not enjoying the here and now and my thoughts are elsewhere. I’m going to try to enjoy the present day and not focus too much on the past or the future. This one might be easier said than done, and might just be the result of human nature and the uncontrollable forward motion of time.

4. Eat better. I think this one has been on my list of resolutions since birth. While I’ve committed myself to exercise, I still have not reigned in my eating habits and I know there is definitely room for improvement. I keep thinking of changing my diet completely to try a Paleo or perhaps Swank diet, but a complete overhaul seems all too overwhelming to me. Perhaps I need to start small with little goals like drinking more water during the day and controlling portion sizes.

I’m realistic that I may not be successful with all of these goals but if I see progress with at least one, I will be thrilled. Look at that! I’m already trying to practice more self-forgiveness and it’s not even 2017!  I’d say I’m off to a good start!

SHARE WITH US. Any tips or words of wisdom? What are some of your goals for the upcoming year? 

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